_ It's not a random little word. Like a period is not a random little dot. Without punctuation at the end, a series of words is considered a fragment, not a sentence. So what is prayer without an amen?

I am not really talking about a single specific word here. I am discussing the concept of finding a solid and clear conclusion to a prayer. When there is no amen, prayers can tend to stay in "to be continued" mode - the "dot dot dot" (...) of doubt, insecurity, or a of flimsy, open-ended hope.

_In the Hebrew Bible and New Testament, amen is a declaration of affirmation. It is a statement of "So be it, truly". The Hebrew word Amen derives from a root that means to be firm, confirmed, reliable, faithful, have faith, believe.

Prayers that lack the sense of being firm, confirmed (or having a solid expectation, point or focus), reliable, or full of faith and the spiritual understanding that the answer to every question already exists, are simply exhausting. Without the amen, one can never be sure that anything is being accomplished by prayer! I have always loved an idea once shared by a scientist. He explained the difference between a demonstration and an experiment. In a demonstration you know what the outcome will be from beginning to end. With an experiment, it is more like "We'll see..." Effective prayer reveals and demonstrates God's goodness. Without a conclusion and affirmation of the truth of God an man, prayer is like a note in a suggestion box. We are experimenting with making contact, but who knows what good it will do?

The amen of prayer is an affirmation of the good the prayer is doing.

Here are a few elements that can help power up your amens. One or more of these ideas can aid in bringing your prayer to a well-punctuated, joyful conclusion.

Feel the power of your prayer. Take a pause and let it sink in. The amen is a form of consenting and understanding that what we see in prayer is the truth "on earth as it is in heaven".

Acknowledge that the revelation of your prayer is complete. Feel the benediction, the blessing, the joy, and the gratitude.

Let your amen affirm that you understand that prayer is effective to meet the human need. Prayer resolves problems through spiritual understanding.The human need is always an understanding of God and your prayer is divinely designed to meet that need.

Confirm your understanding that man has always been the reflection of God and that prayer doesn't change reality, but brings God's reality to light.

Acknowledge that Truth, God is invariable Love and unchangeable Principle and that the human understanding of truth revealed to you in prayer is irreversible.

_When Paul writes of prayer without ceasing (see 1 Thessalonians 5:17), I don't think he meant that prayers shouldn't have a proper authoritative conclusion. In fact, every one of his epistles conclude with a prayer and an amen. Prayers without conclusions are like clouds without rain. What Paul encourages is the life commited to consistent, clear, effective prayer that produces good results. So, no more "dot dot dot ... prayer to be continued... and let's wait and see if anything happens..." NO. It's AMEN - So be it, truly.

How do you like to put a period at the end of your prayer? Feel free to share your comment below.

Tremendously helpful ! Thanks Michelle. As I was pondering these ideas, I remembered the anchor news reporter Walter Cronkite, who always ended the evening news broadcast by saying, "and that's the way it is!"
Well, the "Amen" is stating "that's the way it REALLY is!"
Thanks for all the amazingly timely ideas in these daily blogs.... AMEN!

I have practiced Christian Science professionally insome form since 1979.But my journey withChristian Science startedin a Sunday schoolwhere as a young childI was taught the Scriptures and some simple basicsof Jesus' method ofscientific Christian healing.A significant experienceat the age of twelveopened my eyes tothe great potentialof this practice. After impaling my footon a nail,I prayed the way I had learnedin Sunday school.Within momentsthe pain stoppedand healing began.By the next morning the wound had disappeared completely.Having experiencedthe great potential​of Christian Science,there would be noturning back.